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ACD101 - Introduction to Contemporary Dance Practice A

Year	2025 unit information
Enrolment modes:	Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne)
Credit point(s):	1
EFTSL value:	0.125
Unit Chair:	Trimester 1: Luigi Vescio
Prerequisite:	Nil
Corequisite:	Nil
Incompatible with:	AAP111, ACD201, ACD401
Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:	2 x 1.5-hour on-campus practical experience (studio) per week 1 x 2-hour on-campus seminar per week
Typical study commitment:	Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Content

This unit aims to introduce students to the aesthetic and physical challenges of techniques and choreography in contemporary dance art. The subject combines classes in contemporary dance technique with classes in dance composition. Technique classes, while physically and technically challenging are designed to cater to a broad range of dance backgrounds with the aim of giving students an embodied understanding of key physical principles of contemporary dance. A composition seminar will present and discuss a range of works from the modern, post-modern and contemporary dance repertoire. Students will also begin to engage with the philosophical and social issues underpinning contemporary dance practices through specific readings and discussion.

Learning outcomes

ULO	These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:	Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs)
ULO1	Recognise, understand, articulate and embody the principles, approaches and aesthetics of contemporary dance as an international phenomenon, and in both physical and written contexts.	GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge
ULO2	Practice contemporary dance with a high level of technical skill (including release of body weight, kinaesthetic awareness, correct alignment, shaping and articulation of the joints, torso and limbs, dynamic range, rhythmic phrasing and spatial awareness), by taking responsibility for personal development and with an ethical regard for the social context of the classes.	GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge GLO 2: Communication GLO 6: Self-management
ULO3	Evaluate and interpret influences from significant examples of live and recorded performances of contemporary dance, through defining, attending, engaging with, and citing these performances.	GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO

These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:

Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs)

ULO1

Recognise, understand, articulate and embody the principles, approaches and aesthetics of contemporary dance as an international phenomenon, and in both physical and written contexts.

GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge

ULO2

Practice contemporary dance with a high level of technical skill (including release of body weight, kinaesthetic awareness, correct alignment, shaping and articulation of the joints, torso and limbs, dynamic range, rhythmic phrasing and spatial awareness), by taking responsibility for personal development and with an ethical regard for the social context of the classes.

GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge

GLO 2: Communication

GLO 6: Self-management

ULO3

Evaluate and interpret influences from significant examples of live and recorded performances of contemporary dance, through defining, attending, engaging with, and citing these performances.

GLO 1: Discipline-specific knowledge

GLO4: Critical thinking

Assessment

Assessment Description	Student output	Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit)	Indicative due week
Assessment 1: On-going assessment in technique classes according to stated criteria		30%	Information not yet available
Assessment 2: Written assignment	1200 words or equivalent	30%	Information not yet available
Assessment 3: Portfolio	1600 words or equivalent	40%	Information not yet available

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning resource

There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.

Unit Fee Information

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Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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